🌱 Fincastle Man Faces Lengthy Jail Term + RCPS Superintendent Honored

Morning, everybody! It’s Tuesday and it’s Roanoke Patch Newsletter time. Here’s what's happening locally. Today you'll read about...

• Business manager speaks out about recent shooting.
• 'Space Ace' invades the 'noke!
• 3D printer workshop at Belmont Branch Library.

Let’s motor!

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny. High: 63 Low: 40.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. The Superintendent of Roanoke City Public Schools, Dr. Verletta B. White, received a statewide honor when she was named Virginia Superintendent of the Year at the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS) Annual Awards Luncheon. White was selected for the award because of her considerable efforts in navigating the post-pandemic challenges faced by so many schools and the start of the school division’s new career development initiatives. “Verletta’s moral compass always points to doing what’s best for students and in following that path she has been tremendously successful. Her staunch advocacy for her students and the leadership skills she employs to help them succeed, make her a great example for all of Virginia’s educators,” said VASS President Mike Gill at the luncheon. (WFIR)
2. A Fincastle resident accused of pepper spraying police officers during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot could be looking at a prison sentence of more than a decade behind bars if a judge follows the recommendations of prosecutors. Markus Maly was found guilty of seven different charges in December 2022, including Engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon in relation the use of the chemical agent. If he’s sentenced according to recommendations he’ll serve nearly 16 years in prison and a fine of over $16,000. “The attack on the U.S. Capitol, on Jan. 6, 2021, was a criminal offense unparalleled in American history. It represented a grave threat to our democratic norms; indeed, it was one of the only times in our history when the building was literally occupied by hostile participants. By its very nature, the attack defies comparison to other events. The nature and circumstances of Maly’s crimes weigh heavily towards a significant term of incarceration,” the sentencing memorandum read in part. (WSLS)
3. A manager on duty at the time of the Campbell Avenue SE shooting on Sunday night has spoken out. Kory Williams was on duty at Benny Marconi's when the shots rang out. "I came out because a lot of people were trying to leave at that time, and I was trying to get everybody back in because I didn’t know if they were still shooting,” he said. Patrolling police officers heard the shots ring out about 1:20 a.m. and Williams said he kept his customers safe in the restaurant until he was sure the scene was safe around 3 a.m. Police reported that upon arrival they found two people injured, one critically, and were notified that another had arrived at a nearby hospital in their personal vehicle. The critically injured victim later passed away. Police are asking anyone with any information to call the Roanoke Police Department at 540-344-8500. (WFXR)
4. Another renowned national — international, really — musician has been added to the Dr Pepper Park Northwest Ace Summer Concert Series. KISS original founder and former lead guitarist Ace Frehley will rock the Star City on Saturday, Aug. 19. Dr Pepper Park president Waynette Anderson said, "Ace is a legendary rocker. We couldn’t be more excited to bring him to the park and to the Roanoke Valley!" General admission tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the gate, pit tickets are$49, and VIP Skybox tickets are $149. You can get your tickets beginning Friday, April 28 at www.DrPepperPark.com.‬‬ (Dr Pepper Park Press Release)

Today in Roanoke:

• Fleet Feet Pub Walk and Run at Big Lick Brewing Company (6 p.m.)
• "Legally Blonde, The Musical" at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (7:30 p.m.)
• Funk You featuring Datrian Johnson at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (8 p.m.)
• GOTE at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "We have some exciting news in the coming weeks! Warm weather and the return of spring means two things for the Center — time to be overloaded with new patients, and finally time to let our overwintering patients go!" (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "Salem's newest boutique hotel encompasses comfort with upscale charm ✨️ Rowland Hotel is the perfect place to get away to for delicious meals, craft cocktails, and comfortable suites to relax in." (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)
• Roanoke Sheriff's Office: "Earlier this month Deputy Sahi, a school resource officer at Preston Park, was provided with a gift from one of the families of a child attending the school. He was recognized as having a great relationship with the kids and going the extra mile to ensure they know their SRO is always there for them." (Roanoke Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Today is National Lost Dog Awareness Day and the last day of National Pet ID Week. This is a great time to schedule your pet's microchip appointment if they don't already have one!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Public Libraries: "Are you interested in learning more about 3D printers? Join John Woodrum for a 3D printer workshop from 1-3 p.m. this Saturday at your Belmont Branch Library. Learn the basics of 3D printing and the hardware!" (Roanoke Public Libraries via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday off right! I'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning with another update! 👊💥

— Ian

About me: Ian Graham is a novelist, screenwriter, and freelance contributing writer. He is a firm believer in being yourself… unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman. To connect with Ian, you can visit him on Facebook and Instagram. He doesn't bite. Except on full moons.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Patch newsletter? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com